Pulmonary infections mimicking cancer: report of four cases.

Abstract

Lung infections infrequently simulate cancer, and their differentiation, based on imaging findings, can sometimes be difficult. The infections may be fungal, mycobacterial, parasitic or, rarely, viral. A biopsy is required to prove the infectious nature of the lesions. A specific diagnosis is necessary for initiation of appropriate therapy. We report four cases of chronic pulmonary infections, which were wrongly diagnosed as bronchogenic carcinoma based on radiological features. We also reviewed the existing literature.